Do you ever feel your mouth itching when you take a bite of an apple or banana raw? Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) may cause hay fever and nasal allergies.
OAS, though often considered mild allergy, is when the immune system misinterprets certain proteins with allergen-triggering proteins like pollen. Find out the causes of OAS, and what you can do to manage them so that you can continue eating your favorite foods.
What is Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Oral allergy syndrome refers to an allergic reaction in the throat or mouth that is caused by certain fruits, vegetables, and nuts. An allergic reaction will be triggered by the immune system if it is unable to distinguish between similar proteins in food or pollens.
OAS is more common among teens and young adults who suffer from hay fever, which can be linked to birch and ragweed as well as grass pollens that have similar proteins to certain foods.
What is Oral Allergy Syndrome and How Can It Be Treated?
OAS can occur at any time, but it is more common in the winter when seasonal allergies are more severe. Cross-reactivity of allergens in raw foods and airborne particles can lead to oral allergy syndrome. OAS is commonly triggered by the following:
Fruit
- Apples
- Bananas
- Cherries
- Chestnut
- Kiwi
- Melon
- Peaches
- Peanuts
- Plums
- Tomatoes
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Zucchini
Nuts
- Almonds
- Chestnuts
- Hazelnuts
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
Oral Allergy Symptoms
OAS symptoms can be mild and usually occur about one hour after eating. Even though it is rare, severe symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and breathing may occur in people with oral allergy syndrome.
If you develop food allergy symptoms after eating, contact your doctor immediately. OAS symptoms include itching and swelling in the following areas.
- Mouth
- Throat
- Lips
- Tongue
- Face
How to Treat Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome treatment can vary depending on the severity and trigger. If you’re unable to identify the allergy trigger, it is possible that your treatment will not be effective. If this happens, an allergist or medical professional can help identify the allergy trigger and determine the treatment needed.
If the allergy trigger is mild, doctors may suggest eliminating any exposure. OAS symptoms can also be managed with allergen immune therapy (pollen shot for hayfever) or over-the counter histamine blockers.
The skin of allergy-inducing protein are often found in food. If the skin is removed, it can sometimes be eliminated. OAS-causing proteins can be easily removed if the food has not been cooked. There are several methods that can be used to remove allergy-triggering proteins from food.
- You can heat or cook food with a stove, oven, microwave, or other heating device.
- Eat frozen or processed foods, such as applesauce.
- The skin should be removed.
- You can buy canned fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid eating foods that cause allergy, whether they are dried or dehydrated.
Although oral allergy syndrome may only cause minor symptoms in most cases, it is important to consult a physician to determine the best treatment.
OAS can appear at any time, even if you have never had an allergic reaction to raw foods. Discuss OAS with your doctor if you believe you may be experiencing it.